The Official Podcast of the Navy SEAL Foundation and an IRONCLAD Original. Hosted by Chris Irwin, a retired SEAL and the Foundation’s Communications Director, On the X explores the latest expertise in mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, sleep, relationships, education, business, and more. Every week, Chris speaks with a thought leader at the forefront of their respective field, including renowned scientists, world-class practitioners, bestselling authors, and elite athletes. This is first-hand knowledge at the very center of topics that can change your life. This is On the X.
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The Official Podcast of the Navy SEAL Foundation and an IRONCLAD Original. Hosted by Chris Irwin, a retired SEAL and the Foundation’s Communications Director, On the X explores the latest expertise in mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, sleep, relationships, education, business, and more. Every week, Chris speaks with a thought leader at the forefront of their respective field, including renowned scientists, world-class practitioners, bestselling authors, and elite athletes. This is first-hand knowledge at the very center of topics that can change your life. This is On the X.
On today's episode of Mind Matters, Chris and Jeff Wiedenhofer explore the role of self-awareness in mental fitness. They discuss how recognizing your thoughts and emotions can lead to better emotional regulation, stronger relationships, and overall mental well-being.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
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On today’s episode, Chris talks with San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle about his journey from the University of Iowa to the NFL. They discuss his record-setting 2018 season, what drives his passion for football, and how he remains grounded through the highs and lows of professional sports. George also shares his passion for golf, shooting, and supporting veterans and mental health initiatives off the field.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
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On today's episode, Chris sits down with Dave Berke, a retired Marine Corps pilot and renowned leadership instructor. Dave shares his military journey, from flying combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming the first Marine to fly the F-22 Raptor.
The conversation covers his experiences at Top Gun, and his transition from military service to training leaders in business and life. Dave also discusses lessons from his upcoming book, The Need to Lead, offering insights into leadership, humility, and the importance of preparing for the future.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this compilation episode of On the X, health and performance experts share their top insights on nutrition, movement, and overall wellness. Cheryl Zonkowski, dietitian and founder of Catalyzt Nutrition, covers three common nutrition mistakes and how to avoid them. Rob Wilson, Human Performance Specialist, offers practical ways to incorporate activity into daily life. Tony Horton, creator of P90X and Power Nation, explores how environment, behavior, and genetics shape health and longevity.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode, Chris sits down with David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass, to explore how a personal family story sparked a global movement in education. Inspired by his grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, David set out to make world-class expertise accessible to everyone. From tennis legend Serena Williams to acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese, MasterClass combines storytelling and cinematic production to transform how people learn.
David shares the journey of launching MasterClass in 2015, the platform’s impact on millions of learners worldwide, and its latest venture: a certificate program in partnership with the Navy SEAL Foundation.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Mind Matters, a mental health-focused series within On the X, Chris welcomes back readjustment counselor Jeff Widenhofer to explore the importance of emotional connection and communication in our relationships. They dive into the barriers that prevent people from sharing their feelings, the value of support systems, and the role vulnerability plays in fostering meaningful connections.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode, Chris sits down with former Navy SEAL officer Sean Glass to trace his journey from combat deployments to civilian leadership. Sean reflects on his service from 2008 to 2020, including operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Eastern Africa, with a focus on village stability missions and the counter-ISIS offensive in Mosul.
He shares the challenges of balancing life in the SEAL Teams with family responsibilities, as well as the lessons he carried into his civilian career as a startup executive, co-founder of Primal Beef Company, and now a leadership instructor with Echelon Front. At the core of his perspective is the belief that being relational and building trust are the most important aspects of leadership, whether in combat, business, or everyday life.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-x/id1759222083
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3itWUNECnae8hkJKG7NMvV?si=0cfb5d256c1144cc
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This special compilation episode features Chris in conversation with entrepreneurs who have built businesses, teams, and ideas from the ground up. Dan Martell explains his Buy Back Loop and how it helps entrepreneurs reclaim time and grow more effectively. Jack Daly and Randy Hetrick walk through their experience buying TRX out of bankruptcy and the first steps they took to revive the brand. Bear Handlon, CEO and co-founder of Born Primitive, discusses how he founded his company while on active duty and the importance of charitable partnerships in its growth. James Kerr, author of Legacy, closes by sharing lessons from the All Blacks rugby team on leadership, culture, and building organizations that last.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode, Chris Irwin talks with Pat Flynn about how losing his job as an architect became a turning point in his career. Pat explains how the experience pushed him to focus on Lean Learning, a method for learning the right skills at the right time. He discusses the steps he took to build new ventures, the role of mentorship and community in his growth, and how adapting quickly helped him succeed. Pat also shares examples from his experiences, including building a YouTube channel, creating Smart Passive Income, and applying Lean Learning to different areas of his work.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode, Chris talks with Marcus and Amber Capone about their journey from military service to advocating for psychedelic therapies in veteran care. Marcus, a former Navy SEAL with multiple combat deployments, shares the emotional struggles he faced after leaving the military and why traditional treatments fell short. Amber, co-founder of VETS (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions), explains how their nonprofit helps veterans access therapies like Ibogaine and the importance of community support and medical oversight. Together, they discuss the risks, challenges, and promising future of psychedelics in addressing PTSD, depression, and trauma.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Mind Matters, a mental health-focused series within On the X, Chris welcomes back readjustment counselor Jeff Widenhofer for a candid conversation about PTSD.
They examine the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis, the ways trauma manifests, whether experienced directly or indirectly, and how overwhelming emotional states can disrupt daily life and relationships. The conversation highlights the instinctual human drive to avoid pain, the challenges of connection and communication, and the importance of normalizing PTSD to reduce stigma.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this special compilation, Chris revisits conversations with guests who each experienced a pivotal mindset shift that changed their path.
Mat Fraser, five-time CrossFit Games champion, shares how a tough loss reshaped his perspective and introduced gratitude into his approach to competition.
Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr, six-time CrossFit Games champion and Olympian, reflects on the mental resilience that carried her when her body reached its limits.
Joshua Fields Millburn, author and co-founder of The Minimalists, explains how letting go of excess created space for what mattered most.
Remi Adeleke, former Navy SEAL, actor, and author, describes how being dropped from SEAL training became the starting point for rebuilding himself from the ground up. Together, these stories illustrate how perspective can drive lasting change.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode, Chris sits down with Randy Hetrick, former Navy SEAL and founder of TRX, and Jack Daly, CEO of TRX. They discuss Randy’s transition from military service to creating the TRX suspension trainer and the brand’s relaunch focused on digital content, trainer education, and community engagement. They cover the challenges of growing and maintaining the TRX brand and share insights from their entrepreneurial experience.
Learn more about TRX and its fitness community: https://www.trxtraining.com/
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode, Chris Irwin sits down with Bert Sorin, former Division I All-American track and field athlete and President of Sorinex, to talk about the evolution of the family-run company that helped shape the modern strength equipment industry.
Bert shares how his father, Richard Sorin, founded Sorenex with a focus on innovation and community, and how Bert’s athletic background and leadership pushed the company to new heights. They discuss the challenges of building a business, the impact of patented designs, and Sorinex’s ongoing mission to serve universities, pro teams, and the military.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
SPONSORS:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Mind Matters, a mental health-focused series within On the X, Chris Irwin talks with Jeff Wiedenhofer—a retired Navy helicopter pilot, former Broadway musician, and current readjustment counselor at the VA. They discuss emotional fitness, the impact of emotional suppression, and the importance of expanding the emotional spectrum. Jeff shares his experiences from military service and counseling, offering insights on emotional awareness, intuition, and strategies for personal growth.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
SPONSORS:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode, Chris talks with Dr. Cassie Holmes, a professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management and author of Happier Hour. Cassie shares her research on the science of happiness and explains how managing time effectively can improve life satisfaction.
They discuss the concept of time poverty, why both too little and too much discretionary time can impact happiness, and how meaningful activities and mindfulness contribute to lasting joy. Cassie also offers practical strategies for reclaiming time and designing an ideal week to boost fulfillment.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
SPONSORS:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this special compilation episode of On the X, Chris revisits moments from past conversations with four standout thinkers—Simon Sinek, Jocko Willink, Jason Jaggard, and Brian Gottlieb—to answer one timeless question: What is the most important trait of a leader? From courage to humility, nobility to authenticity, each guest offers a unique lens shaped by deep experience in leadership, personal growth, and high-stakes decision-making.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
SPONSORS:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode, Chris Irwin speaks with entrepreneur and author Dan Martell about his personal and professional journey. Martell shares how early life challenges, including time in prison, shaped his path toward entrepreneurship. He discusses discovering coding, building multiple businesses, and developing the strategies outlined in his book Buy Back Your Time.
The conversation covers time management, delegation through the “buyback loop,” and hiring practices that prioritize character. Martell also addresses the mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of creating systems that support both business growth and personal well-being.
To purchase Dan's book: https://www.amazon.com/Buy-Back-Your-Time-Unstuck/dp/059342297X
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-x/id1759222083
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3itWUNECnae8hkJKG7NMvV?si=0cfb5d256c1144cc
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
SPONSORS:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode of On the X, Chris Irwin sits down with Connor Beaton—founder of ManTalks, men’s work leader, and author of Men’s Work: A Practical Guide to Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, and Find Freedom. Together, they delve into the emotional challenges many men face but rarely talk about.
From unprocessed childhood trauma to the ways society teaches men to suppress anger and fear, Connor offers a roadmap for how to confront the shadow self, build emotional resilience, and lead a life rooted in purpose and connection.
Learn more about Connor’s work at www.connorbeaton.com and follow him on Instagram @mantalks.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
SPONSORS:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode, Chris sits down with behavioral expert and bestselling author Thomas Erikson to explore the DISC personality model and its practical impact on communication, leadership, and relationships. Erikson shares the origins of the model, explains how his book Surrounded by Idiots became a global phenomenon, and unpacks how color-coded personality types can shape team dynamics, job fit, and personal growth. The conversation also dives into the nature vs. nurture debate, the emotional toll of burnout, and why understanding both yourself and others is key to meaningful connection and transformation.
More about The Navy SEAL Foundation:
https://www.navysealfoundation.org/
Text ONTHEX to 60104 to sign up to receive updates from the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF). By participating, you agree to our Mobile Terms and Conditions (60104-info.com) for recurring autodialed donation messages from NSF to the phone number you provide. Text STOP to end. Msg & data rates may apply.
On the X is an IRONCLAD Original
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/navysealfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/thisisironclad
SPONSORS:
On the X is presented by Mechanix Wear: https://www.mechanix.com/
Mechanix Wear is proud to offer an exclusive 15% discount through the ID.me program to military, veterans and first responders. Click on the ID.me button in your shopping cart and follow the steps to verify your eligibility.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Official Podcast of the Navy SEAL Foundation and an IRONCLAD Original. Hosted by Chris Irwin, a retired SEAL and the Foundation’s Communications Director, On the X explores the latest expertise in mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, sleep, relationships, education, business, and more. Every week, Chris speaks with a thought leader at the forefront of their respective field, including renowned scientists, world-class practitioners, bestselling authors, and elite athletes. This is first-hand knowledge at the very center of topics that can change your life. This is On the X.
